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It was
the third night of Amavasya, the fortnight of the new moon.
Under a canopy of night sky, a road-weary traveller had all but
collapsed. Undertaking a sojourn on the first day being inauspicious, he
had waited for a more propitious date before setting forth.
The
day’s journey had been unrelenting and long.
All through it, the heat of the sun had borne down, exhausting his body,
vexing his brain. Leading him to question not only the purpose of his
journey, but that of his life. Why am I here, he asked himself. With
what intent have I set forth from Trikuta Hill, besides leaving it
forever? This was the predicament that vexed his mind, as, undone by the
vast tracts of sand, he lay down for the night. It was pitch black, and
starless, yet in his mind’s eye,
he saw a
searing flash of light in the distance.
How could it be the sun, blazing on a
night when the moon hid itself? He thought he was in peril, that he had
lost his mind and not just his way. Sure as day, the blinding, flashing
mass of light loomed closer, and closer, seemingly an apparition,
splendorous and blinding. From the light he could discern a golden-hued
charioteer, drawing plumed golden white steeds. Twenty one magnificent
creatures, reined in by a god-like visage.
Presently, this vision came to a halt before him.
“Who are you, Lord,” asked the traveller, for clearly the charioteer was
a celestial being.
“Ask yourself who you are, and with what
intent you have set foot,” came the cryptic response.
“I am
but a traveller, banished
from my home, with no recourse but to find another to call my own,” said
the man.
“I am
Surya” replied the
charioteer, “and you are of my kin, the Suryavanshi." “I am, my Lord,”
the traveller asserted.
“And
you, all-knowing, all-powerful, one,
must determine my future, for you know so well my past." Surya smiled.
“Upon this waterless, barren tract, you shall build me a grand palace, a
refuge for travellers, a testament to the will of the Suryavashi. And
this shall be your home, steadfast one."
In a flash, the vision took wing, spurred by his wondrous steeds.
And so it came to be that the traveller’s journey had come to fruition,
and that upon the shifting sands, stone by stone, an imposing citadel
was built,
a beacon of light and hope and succour, a
monolith to faith and the will of God.
Rooms
Presidential Suite
The trappings of royalty are writ large
across this expansive suite. The suite comprises a living room, dining
room, his and hers dressing areas and a grand bathroom. From Frette
linens to Belgian glassware, necessary luxuries complement period
furniture, lovingly restored art work, and rich drapes.
Historical Suite
Our homage to the state of Jaisalmer that
never once seceded to invaders or foreign rule, this well-appointed
suite is full of historic memorabilia and objet d’art.
Junior Suite
In terms of scale, this suite is as lavish
as its larger counterparts. In size, it is a petite, albeit cozy
arrangement that mirrors our fondness for restrained opulence.
Palace Room
It’s gold and blue paneling harkens back
to Rajasthan’s princely residences However, fifteenth century
embellishments have been thoughtfully juxtaposed with every modern
convenience you could imagine.
Amenities
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The Pool
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The Gym
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The Bar
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The Card
and Billiards Room
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Conferencing
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The
Business Centre
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Excursions
Experience
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The Dunes -
Framed by the latticed windows of some
of our rooms and suites, the shifting dunes of Sam are best visited in
person. We’d be happy to organize a camera-worthy trip.
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The Festival - Held over three
days between January and February each year, this showcase of
Rajasthan’s myriad performing arts, handicrafts and food is not to be
missed.
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The Lake - The Gadsisar Lake is a
man-made reservoir and the region’s only source of water. This spot of
blue in an otherwise arid landscape delights sightseers and picnickers
alike.
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The Park - Crawling underfoot are
varieties of krait, the Russell Viper and monitor lizards. Soaring
high above are kestrels, falcons, and many other species. The desert’s
unique ecosystem enables wildlife, and wildlife photographers, to
thrive.
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The Fort - Within the buff-coloured
sandstone walls that complement the rays of the setting sun is a
living citadel, home to more than half of Jaisalmer’s population, not
to mention scores of gawking day-trippers.
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The Havelis - In times past, the
leading citizens of Jaisalmer engaged in a form of architectural
one-upmanship, with faux embellishments and facades. Never mind garden
gnomes, think a train’s engine, flanked by peacocks.
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Talwar Baazi - The valourous
Rajputs lived and died by the sword. With on-hand training, shields
and good deal of pluck, you may actually last five minutes in a mock
medieval duel, much to the amazement of the wife and kids.
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Cooking - From lal maas to daal
vati choorma, the earthy cuisine of rustic Rajasthan is whipped up for
you by the rural folk who thrive on it. You are advised to pay
attention, for you will have to stomach your mistakes.
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Art Room - If crafts are your
thing, here’s where you learn them. Discover tie-dyeing, enamelling
and laquering from distinguished practitioners of such arts. Better
still, you get to keep your work. That’s one less souvenir to buy.
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Dirt Biking -
BMX bandits may relive their adventures
on sandy dunes. Kicking up a dust storm, throwing caution to the wind,
and loads of adrenalin are par for this course.
....Room
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